Friday, February 24

Laverty improves in Phillip Island but misses out on SuperPole 2

Eugene Laverty (Milwaukee Aprilia) narrowly missed out on securing a spot in Tissot Superpole 2 at the Yamaha Finance Australian Round, as he makes his return to the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship paddock.

The Irishman, who has celebrated successful results aboard the Aprilia in the series in the past, has endured a tough start to his weekend, but was able to secure the 11th fastest time overall on Friday. A time of 1’31.287 put him just over a second behind the fastest man of Friday, Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing –Ducati).

Progress has been made for Laverty, who explained: “I only missed out by about one tenth, I was pushing hard but it was only for 10th position. But at least this means we’ll get an extra 15 minutes on track. We want to try a couple of things with the electronics and how the engine braking is working, but also chassis-wise. In the fast corners we just don’t have a bike that turns well, and in Phillip Island that’s not a good thing. It’s really costing me a lot but it’s been a good day today. I’ve been able to follow some riders and I’m really starting to understand the extent of my problem.”

Laverty is ready to work harder tomorrow, with lights set to go out for the first time when the flag drops for Race 1 at 15.00LT (+11 GMT), with Aprilia rider working on a plan with his engineers.

Words\Images: Dorna

About Andy Quinn

Irish Superbike Racing is Shane Graham, Andy Quinn and James McCann with some web help from Peter Trevaskis.